The Germanic heroic code is based upon four fundamental values: valor, worthiness, vengeance, and honor. While there are many elements to the heroic code, these four concepts are are the most frequently used overall. In Beowulf, Seamus Heaney, the translator, uses the Germanic heroic code as the foundation for the protagonist, Beowulf. The heroic code is one of the most prevalent themes throughout the entire epic. Beowulf is the story of a hero whose name is the title of the poem. In his world, a man is known as his father’s son, for the reason that lineage is a very virtuous thing among the Anglo-saxon culture. When Beowulf introduces himself to the Danes, Hrothgar recognizes Beowulf as Ecgtheow’s son. He then says to Wulfgar, “I used to
…show more content…
The honorable thing is to have a fair battle, and this displays Beowulf once again meeting the honorable precedent of the heroic code. Beowulf would also had not had the satisfaction of killing Grendel had he possessed a greater advantage (Cory pg. 2). Once Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother, he receives many treasures from Hrothgar and Wealtheow that he doesn’t keep for himself. Once he sails back to Geatland, he gives his own king and queen, Hygelac and Hygd, many various treasures, along with the gold necklace from wealtheow. Once again showing that while Beowulf is very prideful, he is still under allegiance of his home country, and that his honor lies within the town, and how honorable they are, as a unit. Many years later, once Beowulf has been king of the Geats for fifty years, a lowly thief steals a golden cup from a selfish dragon living in a bungalow. The dragon wants revenge upon Beowulf’s kingdom, and Beowulf still having much pride and glory form his earlier years, stands to fight the dragon alone. This is his way of honoring his kingdom and his people, one more time. In spite of this, a new honorable individual rises to the standard of the heroic code. Wiglaf, one of Beowulf’s subjects, stand beside Beowulf in an attempt to help him, while all the other men run and hide in the bushes. Beowulf kills the dragon with the help of Wiglaf, but also obtain a fatal wound of his own. He tells Wiglaf that he now must take care of the kingdom, “that is is up to [Wiglaf] to look after their needs” (Heaney lines 2800-2801) and that he is the only one honorable enough to successfully be the Geat’s king. Beowulf calls Wiglaf, “the last of us, the only one left” meaning one of the last people to match up to the heroic code. That once Wiglaf grows as old and as wise as Beowulf, he will have to either train, or find someone worthy of being the next hero to fulfill the heroic
The honorable thing is to have a fair battle, and this displays Beowulf once again meeting the honorable precedent of the heroic code. Beowulf would also had not had the satisfaction of killing Grendel had he possessed a greater advantage (Cory pg. 2). Once Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother, he receives many treasures from Hrothgar and Wealtheow that he doesn’t keep for himself. Once he sails back to Geatland, he gives his own king and queen, Hygelac and Hygd, many various treasures, along with the gold necklace from wealtheow. Once again showing that while Beowulf is very prideful, he is still under allegiance of his home country, and that his honor lies within the town, and how honorable they are, as a unit. Many years later, once Beowulf has been king of the Geats for fifty years, a lowly thief steals a golden cup from a selfish dragon living in a bungalow. The dragon wants revenge upon Beowulf’s kingdom, and Beowulf still having much pride and glory form his earlier years, stands to fight the dragon alone. This is his way of honoring his kingdom and his people, one more time. In spite of this, a new honorable individual rises to the standard of the heroic code. Wiglaf, one of Beowulf’s subjects, stand beside Beowulf in an attempt to help him, while all the other men run and hide in the bushes. Beowulf kills the dragon with the help of Wiglaf, but also obtain a fatal wound of his own. He tells Wiglaf that he now must take care of the kingdom, “that is is up to [Wiglaf] to look after their needs” (Heaney lines 2800-2801) and that he is the only one honorable enough to successfully be the Geat’s king. Beowulf calls Wiglaf, “the last of us, the only one left” meaning one of the last people to match up to the heroic code. That once Wiglaf grows as old and as wise as Beowulf, he will have to either train, or find someone worthy of being the next hero to fulfill the heroic